Cascade shawl no.6

Cascade Shawl No.6 by Brian Smith Designs

Project Overview

The Cascade Shawl No.6 is an intermediate-level knitted shawl designed by Brian Smith Designs. This downloadable knitting pattern creates a stunning triangular wrap featuring a sophisticated color-work design using four coordinating yarn shades. The finished shawl measures an impressive 110 inches across the wingspan with a depth of 16.5 inches at its widest point, making it a generous wrap suitable for layering or draping.

Yarn and Materials

This shawl pattern calls for Cascade Pure Alpaca yarn, a luxurious natural fiber known for its softness and drape. The design uses four distinct color shades in equal quantities:

• (A) Greystone Heather – 90g, 180m per skein
• (B) Pumpkin Spice – 90g, 180m per skein
• (C) Smoky Jade – 90g, 180m per skein
• (D) Wheat Harvest – 90g, 180m per skein

The color palette combines warm and cool tones, creating visual interest and depth in the finished garment. One skein of each shade is required, totaling approximately 360 meters of yarn.

Needles and Notions

Knitters will need the following tools to complete this project:

• 5mm circular needle, 120cm length
• Tapestry needle for weaving in ends
• Blocking kit for finishing

The circular needle accommodates the increasing stitch count as the triangular shawl expands from the top down, while the blocking kit ensures proper shaping and drape of the finished piece.

Knitting Techniques and Stitches

The Cascade Shawl No.6 is constructed primarily using garter stitch, a fundamental knitting technique created by knitting every row. Garter stitch produces a reversible, textured fabric with horizontal ridges and is ideal for shawls because of its natural elasticity and elegant drape when blocked.

The pattern incorporates the following essential knitting stitches and techniques:

• Knit (K) – The basic stitch that forms the foundation of garter stitch
• Purl (P) – Used selectively within the garter stitch structure
• Yarn over (Yo) – Creates decorative eyelet holes and increases stitches for shaping
• Knit two stitches together (K2tog) – A decrease technique that shapes the shawl

The design uses strategic yarn overs and decreases to create the triangular silhouette. The pattern notes that because garter stitch is used throughout, precise stitch counts are not critical; knitters can adjust stitch counts at the end of rows if needed to maintain pattern integrity.

Gauge and Finished Measurements

The recommended gauge for this project is 7 rows and 5 stitches per inch in garter stitch using the specified 5mm needles and Cascade Pure Alpaca yarn. Achieving proper gauge ensures the shawl reaches its intended finished dimensions.

After blocking, the completed Cascade Shawl No.6 measures:

• Wingspan: 110 inches
• Depth at widest point: 16.5 inches

Blocking is essential for this project, as it sets the stitches, evens out the garter stitch texture, and allows the alpaca yarn to relax into its final shape and drape.

Difficulty Level

Rated as an intermediate project, the Cascade Shawl No.6 is suitable for knitters with foundational skills who are comfortable working with circular needles and managing increasing stitch counts. The straightforward garter stitch construction makes it accessible, while the color work and shaping provide enough complexity to keep experienced knitters engaged.